Scaloni moved by fan support ahead of World Cup final, hails Messi as 'legend'

Lionel Scaloni, the coach of Argentina, became emotional when discussing his players and the significance of their journey to the 2026 World Cup final. He spoke of the profound connection with the fans and the joy their success brings to the nation.

"You see your people, the way they celebrate, that they are happy... That touches you. It's impossible for it not to touch your heart," Scaloni stated. He reiterated his belief that the team plays for the supporters and the country, highlighting the unifying effect of the national team.

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You see your people, the way they celebrate, that they are happy... That touches you. It's impossible for it not to touch your heart, in the end, I always said it, we play for them, the Argentine National Team plays for its people, for its country, for those people who wait to see it.

Scaloni reflected on how the team has rekindled a sense of national unity, bridging divides between rival club fans. "We recovered something very valuable: that people stop in front of the television, a Newell's fan hugs a Central fan, a Boca fan hugs a River fan," he said, noting the emotional impact of this connection.

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We recovered something very valuable: that people stop in front of the television, a Newell's fan hugs a Central fan, a Boca fan hugs a River fan, we feel it, we take it into account, knowing that, in a World Cup, unity is fundamental.

Addressing the team's historic achievement, Scaloni deflected praise, emphasizing Lionel Messi's unparalleled status. "He is pure history, a legend, the historic one," Scaloni said of Messi, who turns 39 during the tournament. "The best footballer the world of football has ever seen, that he thinks that, is wonderful. To have been able to reach a final, as he has, at this moment, at 39 years old, is incredible. We have to enjoy it."

Argentina is set to face Spain in the final, seeking to become back-to-back world champions, a feat not achieved since Brazil in 1958 and 1962.

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History pure is he, legend, the historic one, more, that it comes out of his mouth, not to me but to everyone, the best footballer the world of football has ever seen, that he thinks that, is wonderful. To have been able to reach a final, as he has, at this moment, at 39 years old, is incredible. We have to enjoy it.